Lenni Benson

A child boards a freight train near Arriaga, Chiapas, in southern Mexico. Arriaga is the first stop for many Central American migrants making their way to the US.

Children are crossing the US border in record numbers — and facing the judge alone

June 10, 2014Conflict & Justice

A growing surge of unaccompanied children from Central America are crossing into the US illegally. Once they’re removed from federal custody, these kids face a major hurdle: navigating the US courts, most often without an attorney.A growing surge of unaccompanied children from Central America are crossing into the US illegally. Once they’re removed from federal custody, these kids face a major hurdle: navigating the US courts, most often without an attorney.